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Melbourne - It’s official, Australia is the top market for the iconic
Jeep Wrangler outside of North America. The vehicle which epitomises the
legendary Jeep “go-anywhere, do anything” ethos, has always been popular in
Australia and now it is a world leader in sales.
As at June 2004 (year to date), 482 of the rugged Jeep Wranglers have been
delivered to customers in Australia, representing an impressive 41 per cent
increase over 2003 sales. It’s the second time that Australia has been able to
claim the title, with 2002 Wrangler sales also toping the world (outside of
North America). In 2004 Australia has sold 28 more Wranglers than current second
runner Japan.
Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Jeep Australia, noted, “The
Australian public has a real affinity with the Wrangler. It’s the ultimate fun
machine, and it’s very well suited to the market. The numbers prove it!”
Offering the outdoor enthusiast the very best off-road ability mated to
street-smart and rugged exterior styling, one of Wrangler’s key features is its
versatile hard top/soft top configuration perfect for the sunny Australian
climate. And this, in part, has led to the vehicles amazing Australian success
story.
Jenkins also believes that Wrangler’s timelessness has contributed to its
popularity in Australia. “Jeep has more than 60 years of off-road leadership
under the belt – a heritage created by the original Willys used in World War II
– and has become a byword for off-road capability,” he explains.
“And with Wrangler as the traditional descendant of the original army Jeep, I
think that Australians have responded to the authenticity the vehicle has to
offer. Of course the rugged, romantic image of Wrangler is a major selling
point, but most significantly we think Wrangler will continue to make inroads
with customers who demand the real thing,” Jenkins concluded.
The Wrangler is widely recognised as starting the four-wheel-drive phenomenon
and is sold in nearly 100 countries around the world.
The top five sellers of Jeep Wranglers outside of North America (June 2004
YTD) are:
| Australia |
482 |
| Japan |
454 |
| Germany |
322 |
| Caribbean |
319 |
| RC Dubai |
248 |
Australians first became acquainted with the Jeep icon with the introduction
of the TJ model in October 1996. Since then demand for the Wrangler has been
consistently strong.
The Wrangler comes with the impressive four-speed automatic, and is also
available with a five-speed manual. Wrangler prices start from $29,990 for the
five-speed manual and include a 3-year/100,000km warranty and 24hour roadside
Jeep assist. The incredible “go-anywhere, do-anything” spirit of Jeep comes
standard.
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